When I turned on the news this morning, I learned of the passing of Gordon Lightfoot. He was the quintessential Canadian troubador. His songs included wonderful historical ballads telling the story of the sinking of a freighter in a storm on Lake Superior and the connecting of the parts of a soon-to-be nation via a transcontinental railroad. Other songs dealt with life experiences that touched the hearts of many. His songwriting skills led to hit songs for other singers including Bob Dylan, Elvis Presley, Barbra Streisand, Sarah MacLachlan, Anne Murray, and Harry Belefonte to name just a few. His career began in the 1960s in the Toronto folk scene, where his unique sound began to develop -- a wonderful mix of a lower register voice and a 12-string acoustic guitar. Robbie Robinson stated today that Lightfoot "was a national treasure." He received many awards including the Companion of the Order of Canada, 16 Juno awards, 5 Grammy nominations, inductions into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame, the Songwriters Hall of Fame and the Coutnry Music Hall of Fame, and a spot on Canada's Walk of Fame.
Lightfoot toured for most of his 60+ year career. He was touring until a month ago. He was 84 when he died. I was lucky to see him in concert in Halifax at the Rebecca Cohn in November 2019 -- 5 days after his 80th birthday. He stood and played for 90 minutes, running seamlessly from one hit song to another. The audience responded by singing quietly -- not like at a rock concert where everyone screams the lyrics <smile>. It was a soft whispered sound that paid homage to his gentle performance without overpowering it. That night was the first one when he returned to the tour schedule after being off for a while with an injury from a gym workout -- at 79. <smile> This wonderful musician will be missed, but I am so thankful for his huge body of work that we can listen to for years to come.
To choose any song over the others as favourites is impossible. Inn a tribute today Bob Dylan noted "There is no Gordon Lightfoot song I don't like." So, I guess I'm in good company. After much gnashing of teeth, I chose two. The first is an historical ballad that was commissiond by the Canadian Broadcasting Corportation in honour of the Canadian Centennial in 1967. The rhythms and tempo in the sections fit the lyrics and the history being covered. The second song was more difficult to settle on <smile>. It is a love song that makes me smile.
Canadian Railroad Trilogy -- Gordon Lightfoot
Beautiful -- Gordon Lightfoot
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